Physical activity overview

There are health benefits from being active. Even small increases in activity can protect against chronic diseases and improve quality of life. However there are also health risks associated with inactivity, which is why inactivity is the joint second biggest cause of death along with smoking.

You can find resources for you to use with patients to approach the idea of physical activity, and more information about the levels of recommended physical activity below.

Recommendations on the amount and type of physical activity we should aim to do at different stages in our lives are set out in 'Start Active, Stay Active' (external website), a UK wide report from the four nations' Chief Medical Officers on the UK Government website. The report is supported by separate infographics for adults as well as for children and young people.

Local actions

To help you plan, deliver or assess your physical activity interventions you can join the Physical Activity Health Alliance (PAHA). It offers a wealth of shared resources and sources of good practice including